More to Rockets free-agent quest than just Dwight Howard; there’s Chris Paul, too

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Dwight Howard will not be the only object of the Rockets’ free-agent affections, and the Los Angeles Lakers center has not been the only subject of their intensive preparations for next month’s sales pitches.

Howard has generated by far the most attention as a Rockets free-agent target, but the team plans a similar and simultaneous pursuit of Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, a person with knowledge of the Rockets’ thinking said. According to another individual familiar with the team’s plans, “they are targets No. 1 and 1A.”

The difference is there have been far more indications Howard, a 6-11 center, will be receptive to the Rockets’ recruiting efforts. Although it is too early to know if Paul, a 6-0 guard, is disinterested or keeping his thoughts private, the Rockets have gone through detailed preparations to chase both.

Rockets players James Harden and Chandler Parsons have spoken with Howard about the Rockets and playing in Houston. Harden is even closer to Paul from their time together on the USA Basketball senior national team.

But Howard’s interest in the Rockets also could point to the difficulty in landing Paul.

According to an individual with knowledge of Howard’s thinking, Howard has been interested in playing for Rockets coach Kevin McHale and assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff, citing among other things McHale’s style and playing history as a Hall of Famer.

With the Clippers’ coaching change, they likely also will be able to provide a coaching staff that would help entice Paul to stay in L.A.

Howard, 27, also has been open to signing a four-year contract, rather than the five-year deal the Lakers could offer, according to an individual with knowledge of his thinking, so he could time his return to free agency to coincide with the next NBA national television contracts and potentially a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Rockets would have work to do to create enough salary-cap room – the first season of Howard’s contract could be worth as much as $20.5 million; Paul’s could start at $18.7 million. But they have little concern that they would be able to offer a max contract.

Trading Thomas Robinson, a 6-10 forward, is considered the most likely means to get enough cap room, but according to a person with knowledge of their plans, “there are about 20 other ways.”

Potential value

But moving Robinson, 22, remains the most likely means to create roster room, a consideration when general manager Daryl Morey made the trade-deadline move believing Robinson would be easier to deal than Patrick Patterson.

The Rockets prefer to have to trade one young prospect rather than two. Robinson is set to occupy twice as much salary-cap room as any two of last season’s other rookies. He also is expected to bring more in a trade.

But the Rockets hope to wait to see if they need the cap room before making that kind of move because if they cannot land a major free agent they would want to keep Robinson for his potential. There are 16 teams with the cap room, trade exception or sufficient non-guaranteed contracts to trade for Robinson or equivalent contracts without sending the Rockets back any cap-occupying contracts.

But several teams have indicated they are likely to be more open to a deal prior to the June 27 draft, especially if involving Robinson; the Rockets would prefer to make a move if necessary during free agency in July.

Veterans on the move

The moves to clear the rest of the cap space needed have long been planned with their veterans. There never was a chance the Rockets would pick up their option on the $6.5 million final season of Francisco Garcia’s contract.

Carlos Delfino could be in position to earn more as a free agent than the $3 million he would have earned with another season with his current contract.

The Rockets had to guarantee Aaron Brooks $2.5 million for his brief stint with the team this season because of the expectation they would not pick up a second season.

All three have been told of the team’s plans. The Rockets have several players – James Anderson, Tim Ohlbrecht, Patrick Beverley and Greg Smith – with non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts but would need to waive only two and would not need to make those moves prior to free-agent decisions.